By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws sealed their Final Four spot in sweep win against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, 25-22, 25-14, 26-24, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s volleyball tourney earlier today, April 30, at FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City. 

The Tamaraws started the game with a slow momentum that allowed the Falcons to lead in the early part but the continuous attack points gave them the jump start to advance by taking the first set, 25-22.

League’s best scorer Mark Calado led the team in the second set with his 5-1 attack-point run to end the set with 11 points ahead of Adamson, 25-14.

The Morayta squad were challenged by the San Marcelino-based team in a point-extended third set before finishing the game to secure their spot in the best four.

In a post game interview, Calado mentioned that the team will continue to improve on their shortcomings in the upcoming step ladder round.

“Ibibigay pa rin namin ‘yung best namin, kung ano ‘yung pagkukulang namin sa lahat ng naging laro namin, susubukan po at gagawin namin lahat para mas higitan po ‘yun (We will still give our best, whatever we lacked on in our past games, we will try and we will do everything to surpass that),” he said.

Calado pitched in 25 points out of 23 attacks and two blocks along with nine digs and eight receptions, while Jayjay Javelona stepped up with his 11-point output from nine attacks, a block, and a service ace.

The spiker trio Jelord Talisayan, Dryx Saavedra, and Martin Bugaoan also produced seven points each.

The green-and-gold squad are now at the third spot in the team standing with an 8-6 win-loss record, and will face the De La Salle University Green Spikers in the step ladder match on Wednesday, May 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.